THE TOP MUSIC VENUES IN AMERICA The Live Music Experience

Music brings us together and there’s nothing quite like the live experience. With record sales down, Americans are quickly shifting from buying music to buying concert tickets. At ManScore, we are all about getting out there and sharing an experience with friends and there’s no better place to do that than at one of America’s top concert venues. While there are numerous we could list, here’s the best this country has to offer.


RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE | MORRISON, CO
While all the music venues on our list are ManScore worthy, none compare to the majestic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Set in between giant rock formations, Red Rocks is known for its flawless acoustics and impeccable view. Even musicians have this one on their bucket list as it is said you’ve “made it” if you headline here. There is simply no better place in the United States to see a show and you can be sure to find big name bands and artists night after night.


RYMAN AUDITORIUM | NASHVILLE, TN
If you haven’t been to Nashville, go. Music breathes deep in every facet of the city and the musicianship witnessed is some of the best in the world. The Ryman Auditorium is Nashville’s most famous venue, boasting the nickname of “The Mother Church of Country Music.” Just like Red Rocks, playing at the Ryman means an artist has “made it” in the country music world. The former home to the Grand Ole Opry (still hosts special Opry events), the Ryman is simply beautiful and I doubt there’s ever been a bad show here.


METRO | CHICAGO, IL
It wouldn’t be a ManScore list without a Chicago venue, but the Metro is worthy of praise either way. Located down the street from Wrigley Field, this 1100 capacity music spot has hosted some of the biggest names in alternative music (Nirvana, Soundgarden, Jane’s Addiction, Oasis, Smashing Pumpkins, Blind Melon, Jeff Buckley, Alkaline Trio, No Doubt, Jimmy Eat World, Fall Out Boy, and the list goes on). Check out a show and then check out the incredible bar scene around the Metro and Wrigleyville.


GORGE AMPHITHEATRE | QUINCY, WA
If you’re looking for a true scenic concert experience, there’s no venue better than the Gorge. Constantly voted the best outdoor music venue, the Gorge offers incredible views of the Columbia River below the Cascade Range. Expect huge crowds (reserved and lawn seats up to 20,000 people) as the biggest tours in the country make stops here. Bring the tent and camp out for your favorite band, a full ManScore experience you won’t forget.


9:30 CLUB | WASHINGTON D.C.
Let’s dial it back with another small nightclub and arguably the East Coast’s best venue, the 9:30 Club. A highlight of the venue is its movable stage, which can be rolled back and forth to make every show feel sold out. Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy once said that the club has “got so much character, you wonder if the locals know how lucky they are.” As far as club atmosphere venues go, this one has got it all.


THE FILLMORE | SAN FRANCISCO, CA
California’s most recognized venue, The Fillmore firmly holds its spot in music history. Built in 1912, it has hosted a plethora of bands and artists that went on to shape music as we know it. Jimi Hendrix, Steve Miller, The Grateful Dead, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who, Miles Davis, Otis Redding; you’ll feel the history and nostalgia the moment you walk through the doors.


THE TABERNACLE | ATLANTA, GA
Originally a super church, the Tabernacle—nicknamed “The Tabby”—has quickly gained the reputation as the must visit music venue in the South. Multiple balconies and a general admission floor allow for crowds up to 2,600 people and let me tell you, there’s not a bad seat in the house. The acts span across multiple genres (Eminem, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Dylan, The 1975, Blackberry Smoke, etc.) so you can be sure to find a show here that’ll fit your style.


JONES BEACH THEATER | WANTAGH, NY
While people have mixed views on this one, there’s no denying that Jones Beach Theater’s set up is worth seeing at least once in your life. Set right on Zachs Bay on Long Island, the venue has stadium type seating for up to 15,000 and boasts an awesome view. Go be a Parrothead for a night and catch a show here—Jimmy Buffet has played Jones Beach 29 times...


HOLLYWOOD BOWL | LOS ANGELES, CA
Outdoor amphitheaters often look and sound alike, but the Hollywood Bowl puts those stereotypes to rest. Carved into a concave hillside and set against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood sign, this venue has some of the best acoustics you’ll find in an outdoor amphitheater. Huge tours come through here so make sure to get your tickets early—Chance the Rapper, Kings of Leon, Janet Jackson, Depeche Mode shows are all coming up soon.


ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE | EAST TROY, WI
Speaking of outdoor amphitheaters, Alpine Valley Music Theatre is the only other one that belongs on any top venue list. With one of the largest capacities (37,000 people), Alpine Valley is the venue for the concert partier. Located near Madison, Milwaukee, Rockford and Chicago, expect huge shows to come around East Troy. Unfortunately, the venue is closed for the 2017 season, but should be back in full force next year. Note: Stevie Ray Vaughan, the greatest to ever pick up a guitar, played his final show at Alpine Valley.

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